Explicit

Referring to ideas that are expressed in words or equations, as distinct from Inexplicit ideas.

Explicit knowledge can be communicated directly and debated openly. However, not all valuable knowledge is explicit — much of what people and institutions know exists in Inexplicit form.

Connections

• •Contrasts with Inexplicit — ideas not expressed in words
• •One of four classes alongside Conscious, Unconscious, and Inexplicit
• •Criticism works most easily on explicit ideas
• •Explanations are often made explicit for scrutiny
• •Background Knowledge may be explicit or inexplicit
• •Scientific theories aim to make knowledge explicit; but Inexplicit knowledge remains crucial